What to Expect During the Asbestos Abatement Process

If you suspect asbestos in your home, commercial building, school, or industrial property, it is important to understand the steps involved before removal work can begin. At Inland Contractors, we help homeowners, property owners, contractors, and facility managers navigate the asbestos abatement process from start to finish with clear communication, regulatory compliance, and safe work practices.

We provide asbestos removal services throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County, serving residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional clients across Southern California.

Step 1: Start With a Certified Asbestos Consultant

Before any asbestos abatement work can begin, the material must be inspected and tested by a Certified Asbestos Consultant, also known as a CAC. A CAC is a third party, non biased, licensed asbestos testing company.

The consultant will visit the property, collect samples, send them to a laboratory for analysis, and prepare an asbestos survey report. That report identifies whether asbestos is present, where it is located, and what removal procedure may be required.

Once the survey report is complete, either you or the consultant can send it to Inland Contractors so our team can review the findings and prepare a proposal. As shown in the photo, asbestos permit filing requires information from a Certified Asbestos Consultant, which is why a CAC survey report is a required first step before Inland Contractors can move forward with scheduling and notification filing.

Step 2: We Review the Report and Prepare a Proposal

After we receive the asbestos survey report, we review the scope of work and prepare a bid based on the materials identified and the removal requirements.

This proposal outlines the recommended work and pricing for the project. Once everything is approved, we move forward with permit filing, scheduling, and project setup.

Step 3: Understanding the Permit Process

The permit process depends on the size of the project and the condition of the asbestos containing material.

Projects Under 100 Square Feet (Undamaged)

If the total asbestos removal scope is less than 100 square feet, we only need to file a Cal OSHA asbestos notification. This is a 24 hour notice, which means work can typically begin after that notice period, depending on scheduling and availability.

Projects Over 100 Square Feet (Undamaged)

If the total amount of asbestos being removed is more than 100 square feet, we must file both:

• a Cal OSHA asbestos notification

• a South Coast Air Quality Management District Notification, also known as SCAQMD

For these projects, there is a two week waiting period from the date of filing before work can begin.

Step 4: Procedure 1, Procedure 3, and Procedure 5

The asbestos survey report will also determine which SCAQMD procedure applies to the project.

If the material falls under Procedure 1 or Procedure 3 (undamaged asbestos), we are generally able to begin work once the standard two week waiting period has passed.

If the consultant identifies damaged asbestos, they may require a Procedure 5 under SCAQMD Rule 1403. In that case, the consultant must prepare a Procedure 5 work plan in addition to the asbestos survey report.

That work plan must be included with the permit package, and the project must go through an approval process with SCAQMD before any work can begin. This process often involves back and forth between SCAQMD and the consultant to revise or clarify items in the report or work plan until approval is granted.

Because of this, Procedure 5 projects have a minimum two week wait, but the actual timeline is often longer because approval must be received before the job can start.

Step 5: Scheduling and Job Start

Once permits are filed and all required approvals are in place, our team coordinates a start date with you. We handle the project setup and asbestos removal process in accordance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements.

Our goal is to make the process as straightforward as possible while keeping your project compliant and moving forward efficiently.

Step 6: Final Project Closeout

After the asbestos abatement work is complete, we email final closeout documentation. This typically includes:

• an invoice

• a notice of completion confirming the required asbestos removal has been performed

• a conditional final

This documentation helps confirm that the scope of work has been completed and provides you with records for your files.

Serving Southern California With Safe and Compliant Asbestos Removal

Inland Contractors provides asbestos abatement services for projects of all sizes throughout Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. Whether the project is residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional, our team is committed to safety, compliance, and quality from start to finish.

If you need help getting started, the first step is working with a Certified Asbestos Consultant to complete testing and prepare a survey report. Once that report is available, Inland Contractors can review the findings, prepare a proposal, handle the permit process, and coordinate the project through completion.

Need Help With Your Next Project?

If you are planning renovation, demolition, or suspect asbestos in a property, Inland Contractors is here to help guide you through the abatement process.

Contact our team today to learn more about our asbestos removal services throughout Southern California.